www.multiplecitizenship.com
A noncommercial collection of information about citizenship, dual citizenship and multiple citizenship
 
     

[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

LESOTHO


CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Lesotho Citizenship Order, dated 1971, and the revised Constitution, dated 1993. Questions concerning persons born on or before October 3, 1966 (independence), should be directed to the Embassy. (UKC-Commonwealth Nation)

BY BIRTH: Child born after October 3, 1966, within the territory of Lesotho, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The exception is a child born of parents who are not citizens and whose father works in a diplomatic capacity.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, after October 3, 1966, whose father is a citizen. Child born abroad, after October 3, 1966, whose mother is an unmarried Lesothan citizen.

MARRIAGE: A foreign woman who was already married to a man who became a citizen of Lesotho on October 3, 1966, is granted citizenship upon application. A foreign woman who marries a citizen of Lesotho after October 3, 1966, can apply for citizenship.

BY NATURALIZATION: Lesothan citizenship is acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is at least age 21, has resided in Lesotho for five years after October 3, 1966, has renounced previous citizenship, knows the language, is of good character and mental capacity, takes the oath of allegiance, and plans to permanently reside in Lesotho.


DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exception: Child born abroad, who obtains the citizenship of the country of birth, may retain dual citizenship until their 21st birthday. Person must renounce other citizenship or Lesothan citizenship will be revoked.


LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Lesothan citizenship is permitted by law, pending approval by the government. Contact the Embassy for details and required paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Lesothan citizenship: Any citizen voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship other than through marriage. Naturalized/Registered (N/R) citizenship:Was obtained through fraud or false statement. Citizen displays acts of disloyalty to Lesotho. Citizen, within five years of citizenship, is convicted of a crime and sentenced to at least five years imprisonment. Citizen has resided abroad more than seven years without registering intention to remain a citizen of Lesotho. Citizen has claimed rights or privileges of citizens of another country.


ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho Consular Section 2511 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-797-5533/34/35/36 Fax: 202-234-6815

 

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